Rabbit Possession

[springfield 20]

Have a 18 month old lurcher that has grabbed rabbits that were fumbling out of a bet and also dropped the odd rabbit bringing back on lamp. She is really soft mouthed which is what alot want but what can I do to make her more hard mouthed. Some have said run on a squirrel or rat that can bite back.

[terryd 9,013]

I would stick with what you have and not try change it. I had a beddy whippet which was so light mouthed I thought she had some thing wrong with her jaws lol.

But over time she soon learned to just hang on a bit better. Not a scratch on most her her rabbits. I wouldn't worry about a bit of fumbling my self better than crunch crunch

[Maximus Ferret 2,065]

Too right! If you want to eat or sell your rabbits just keep on getting her lots of easy runs and after you have hold of a rabbit, giving her lots of praise. Don't scold or tell her off but don't praise until you have a hand on it.

[nothernlite 18,268]

I would stick with what you have and not try change it. I had a beddy whippet which was so light mouthed I thought she had some thing wrong with her jaws lol.

But over time she soon learned to just hang on a bit better. Not a scratch on most her her rabbits. I wouldn't worry about a bit of fumbling my self better than crunch crunch

 

WHAT a beddy whippet soft mouthed never been heard of to some people lol

[Blueboybilly 164]

 

I would stick with what you have and not try change it. I had a beddy whippet which was so light mouthed I thought she had some thing wrong with her jaws lol.

But over time she soon learned to just hang on a bit better. Not a scratch on most her her rabbits. I wouldn't worry about a bit of fumbling my self better than crunch crunch

 

WHAT a beddy whippet soft mouthed never been heard of to some people lol

Hahahaha!! Agree with Northernnilly here! When My Beddy Whip Grey brings back rabbits the are mashed.

 

Whippet has the same issue as your dog though. He has dropped rabbits a couple of times on the way back to me because he is so soft mouthed. He has started to learn now though. I do prefer a soft mouthed dog.

 

He will learn

[Casso 1,264]

Have a 18 month old lurcher that has grabbed rabbits that were fumbling out of a bet and also dropped the odd rabbit bringing back on lamp. She is really soft mouthed which is what alot want but what can I do to make her more hard mouthed. Some have said run on a squirrel or rat that can bite back.

It's a conifidence thing , maturity will strengthen her resolve ,

[bird 10,015]

I would stick with what you have and not try change it. I had a beddy whippet which was so light mouthed I thought she had some thing wrong with her jaws lol.

But over time she soon learned to just hang on a bit better. Not a scratch on most her her rabbits. I wouldn't worry about a bit of fumbling my self better than crunch crunch

+ 2 rather have one thats soft mouth, than one that bring them right in crunched up . when old Bryn was younger he bring them in well alive , he retrieve say from 45 yds or more which is good, but get to say 4-5 ft away from then put the rabbit down on the floor, and the rabbit would run off lol, he catch it again but i had to be very quick get to him and grab it.Now Buck differnt his rabbits are all alive , he soft mouthed on rabbits , which is great as deff knows what his teeth are for if he bumped in anything else lol. with the rabbit he come right to you , but dont really want to give you lol, i just give him few secs and praise him and take it off him, and there hardly marked as terry says stick with it , it could alot worse mate .

[comanche 3,308]

Have a 18 month old lurcher that has grabbed rabbits that were fumbling out of a bet and also dropped the odd rabbit bringing back on lamp. She is really soft mouthed which is what alot want but what can I do to make her more hard mouthed. Some have said run on a squirrel or rat that can bite back.

As long as she is trying to retrieve them let her fumble them a bit. A young dog has to work out the best way of getting a good grip on a wriggling rabbit. Don't snatch the rabbit from her when she comes ;pause for her to hold it a few seconds then take it and give lots of praise.

Practice retrieving with heavy dummies and dead rabbits so she can get weight distribution worked out .

And whatever you do don't let her work with other dogs which may rush-in and steal her rabbit while she is fumbling to get a soft-mouthed grip . A sensitive dog can have its confidence knocked and enthusiasm to retrieve ruined by having its catches snatched away by another dog or an owner who is scared the rabbit may escape.

[bird 10,015]

 

Have a 18 month old lurcher that has grabbed rabbits that were fumbling out of a bet and also dropped the odd rabbit bringing back on lamp. She is really soft mouthed which is what alot want but what can I do to make her more hard mouthed. Some have said run on a squirrel or rat that can bite back.

As long as she is trying to retrieve them let her fumble them a bit. A young dog has to work out the best way of getting a good grip on a wriggling rabbit. Don't snatch the rabbit from her when she comes ;pause for her to hold it a few seconds then take it and give lots of praise.

Practice retrieving with heavy dummies and dead rabbits so she can get weight distribution worked out .

And whatever you do don't let her work with other dogs which may rush-in and steal her rabbit while she is fumbling to get a soft-mouthed grip . A sensitive dog can have its confidence knocked and enthusiasm to retrieve ruined by having its catches snatched away by another dog or an owner who is scared the rabbit may escape.

 

[Phil Lloyd 10,740]

Good, sensible advice there Comanche...

Edited November 18, 2016 by Phil Lloyd

[Wales1234 5,682]

They soon learn after they have dropped a few and had to chase them again !! Never had a dog that doesn't retrieve both my older ones retrieve anything rabbits or shot game but won't chase a ball ! My pup now literally haven't done any retrieve work really and has retrieve everything on the lamp I think half of it is to do with bond the dog what's to bring you their prize

[terryd 9,013]

They soon learn after they have dropped a few and had to chase them again !! Never had a dog that doesn't retrieve both my older ones retrieve anything rabbits or shot game but won't chase a ball ! My pup now literally haven't done any retrieve work really and has retrieve everything on the lamp I think half of it is to do with bond the dog what's to bring you their prize

 

 

That means my dog hates me